Characterization and encapsulation of bee venom with sodium alginate for pharmaceutical application

Abstract

In recent years, bio-based resources have gained popularity in pharmaceuticals due to their lower risk of serious side effects. Our thesis focuses on bee venom, known for its therapeutic benefits but limited by its instability and rapid degradation. To address this, we used the biopolymer sodium alginate to encapsulate the venom. When dropped into a calcium chloride solution, it forms protective beads that stabilize the venom and enable oral delivery. After optimizing the formulation and processing conditions, we achieved well-formed beads and conducted successful characterization using FTIR, UV spectrophotometry, and XRD. A dissolution test confirmed sustained venom release. Our findings suggest that this method is effective for stabilizing and delivering bee venom, offering a solid basis for future research.